Holiday Gift Ideas

Thanksgiving is over and now it is time for the Christmas season! And with Christmas, comes the stress of credit card bills, savings withdrawals, and working overtime all to purchase gifts. While some of us love to rip apart the Christmas paper, most of us don’t want to have the credit card bills come January. Here are a few holiday gift ideas that won’t break the bank.

1. Homemade Gifts

No, I’m not suggesting you pull out your glue and glitter and make your kitchen countertop look like it threw up crafts. But, I am suggesting that you make a gift that comes from the heart. I recently met a lady at a party who told me a story of how she made homemade cards. She really enjoyed watercolor so she made watercolor cards and sold them at a nearby gift shop. Think about homemade gifts that don’t come from the craft corner but truly come from your heart.

2. Giving Your Time

For some people, the thought of spending extra money that they don’t have brings on a panic attack. No worries. Instead of spending money, how about you share your time. If there is a friend or family member for whom you would normally buy a gift, suggest spending time together while volunteering. You could plan to meet up at a hospital or soup kitchen not only to spend time together but also to give back at the same time. Yes, it is a little out of the norm but you will feel so much better by giving back.

3. Buy in Bulk

If you absolutely have to purchase gifts, think about buying in bulk. With my friends, I tend to purchase a case of wine and give each girlfriend a bottle. This is also a good idea for all those parties you go to and need a host/hostess gift. Consider purchasing the same gift for multiple people. You can usually find discounts for buying in bulk instead of individually.

My Take Away…

Let’s face it, the Christmas season can burn quite the hole in our pockets. Consider alternative ways to give this holiday season. You can think about making homemade gifts with items you already have at home. Plus, these gifts are cherished more because they come from the heart. You could also consider giving some of your time versus some of your money and enjoy a rewarding experience with others. And finally, buy your gifts in bulk.

Let’s keep the conversation going! What are your holiday gift ideas?